Eighty people involved in ministry at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Gateacre took part in a day called Ignite.

The day was for those actively involved in the parish community as a way of putting the diocesan Synod and parish vision into action.

Fr Stephen Pritchard explained: “The day’s aim was centred around three words.  Celebrate, inspire, equip.

“To celebrate the good news of our parish and all the people who serve, to be inspired to answer the call to share responsibility in leading through the next stage of the mission God has entrusted to us, and finally to be better equipped for the next stage of the journey of the parish.”

Matt Regitz, from Texas who works in parish renewal and Jordan Kelly, from Brentwood, gave the main input.  Both are from Divine Renovation – a company that helps parishes unlock the potential that lies within them.

They also support parishes to reclaim their purpose and take whatever steps that can be made to move from maintenance to mission. 

Parishioner CHECK Clare O’Brien said: “The input from Jordan and Matt made me realise how the Church can move forward and be spiritual and open to worship and prayer but within a Catholic tradition and celebrating and connecting with the Sacraments that we have.”

While for Shirley Green it was the emphasis in the input of being a Church outside in that struck her. She said: “Jordan and Matt challenged us as a parish to change our focus and instead of trying to bring people inside to Church. We should look at new ways to be a Church to people outside.”

Bishop Tom Neylon spoke at the day, he shared about his own experience of the Covid-19 pandemic and in this new time encouraged people to think big, that this is God’s Church and God has a plan bigger than our own.

The afternoon workshops were led by parishioners from St John Stone’s, Woodvale and St Agnes and St Aidan, Huyton as well as Our Lady’s parishioners. They focused on a healthy parish that has shared leadership, excels on Sundays and evangelises.

Music and worship were wonderfully led by One Hope Project, a Catholic creative collective. 

Helen Reynolds said: "The thing I am taking away is, the mission has never changed but the methodology does."

Finally, summing up her experience, Karen McCoy said: “Overall, the day has given me renewed hope that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we as a parish are journeying together.”